It's the playoffs! How about those Mavericks? Can San Antonio still make the finals? How will either of these teams fare against the Nets? USA TODAY NBA expert David DuPree takes you inside the paint as we await the finals.

Liverpool, UK:
what's happening dupree? spurs will be spurs huh? lack of experience, forth quater phobia, down-right ain't championship material yet, which is it. not taking anything away from the mavs though, they did a great job hanging around and mounting a laker-esque comeback. just like the LA-SA series though, i think the spurs have learned their lesson (again) and win in dallas. what do you think? and of all the available coaches out there, who do you think is the best mentor for lebron, and also yao ming? i think brown would be a good fit in cleveland, james need a good teacher who knows how to manage players as well as coach. and i'd love to see van gundy in houston, bringing that defensive mindset to a duo, and a team, that's only going to get better and challenge the other two texas teams for years to come. your thoughts? -Fung

David DuPree:
Hey Fung --you're the man, not me. AS you know I wasn't much of a Mavericks fan going into the playoffs, but I am now. These guys have heart and guts and just don't know how to quit. They've made it a playground game and the Spurs just can't play that way. I know the Mavs don't play defense the conventional way, but they play the heck out of that zone and have so many interchangeable parts that they are the ones dictating the matchups. As for Yao and LaBron, I think Larry Brown is the best guy for them, but don;t underestimate Van Gundy. P.J. Carlesimo is also very underrated and I think could handle the job at either place, too. The team to watch, though, I think, is the Clippers. If Brown goes there, as is rumored, then all of their guys will probably stay, that means Brand , Miller, Odom, Olowokandi, and with Brown running the show that could be a 50-win team right away.Washington, DC:
Hi D. Michael Jordan ranter from a few weeks back is here again. So my boyfriend has gotten me hooked on these playoffs...what a game last night! What's the deal with Steve Nash? He's a pretty great player. Did sports pros pick him to be a star early on?

David DuPree:
Nash is a tough and fearless guy. The ball is in his hands and he gets it to the right people and he can knock down threes. Everybody thought he'd be fairly good, but I don't think many people thought he'd be this good. He's legitimate.Cary, North Carolina:
Hey David. Two weeks ago I asked a philosophical question; now I really want to open a potentially controversial barn-burner. With the influx of bruising Europeans, Canadians, Australians and a host of other "foreign borns," do you think they have increased racial parity and disprove that "White Men Can't Jump?" Richard

David DuPree:
Hey Richard. Good question. What the influx of European players has done is make race not count. It just isn't a factor in the NBA anymore. Guys like Nowitzki and Stojakovic and Ginobili grew up playing a playground style of play and it shows. White players have been stereotyped before, but that is changing.I think the greatest thing is that the young kid from Serbia, Darko Milicic, is being compared to Kevin Garnett. That's the indication of how far we have come. In the past, white guys were only compared to white guy and black guys to other black guys. In that light, I'd like to compare a few white guys to some black guys -- Stojakovic to James Worthy, Nowtizki to Bob MacAdoo, Nash to Tiny Archibald and Manu Ginobili to Scottie Pippen. How's that for a start?Pablo, The Netherlands:
Waddup Big D! I hope ur doing as well as ever! I still cannot get over the fact that Prince took Curry's spot. That to me played a big part in the whooping they got from NJ. I guess that NJ is playing better than ever now and are well deserving of a final's spot. What would be the key (besides containing Duncan, because not really anyone can do that right now) for NJ to at least have a chance? A draft question, Knicks got ninth pick. Damn, Lebron would've been a quick fix with a healthy McDyess. What do u recommend the Knicks to do with their pick? Whom should they go after? Finally, a technical foul is a free throw. Howcome a double technical isn't a free throw for each team? Thanks as always and stay cool!

David DuPree:
Yo, Pablo.
I think the Nets have a great chance against the Spurs (if they beat the Mavericks)because they can run and they play defense and they are tough. Those are the three things that disrupt the Spurs most. New Jersey can play and win at any tempo. The Knicks need to be careful. I hope they stay away from T.J. Ford. I'd like to see them take a chance on Wade, the kid from Marquette. I think he's a sleeper and should be available. Don't be surprised if they trade the pick in some sort of package, though. I don't know why neither team shoots in a double technical foul situation. It's just the rule. I think it is to make the game go faster.Mexicali, Mexico:
David, don't you think that if the Pistons pick Darko Milisic in the draft at #2, that they should groom him as a center instead of a forward? After all, they already have Ben Wallace as a strong frontcourt presence. And remember that Milisic is 18 years old (on draft day) and is already 7 feet tall and 250 lbs. He can only get taller and heavier from this point on, so why not make him into a center in the center-deprived NBA?

David DuPree:
I think Milicic is one of those players who can really play any position. I like him a lot and he can play center sometimes and power forward or even small forward other times. Players like him is where the game is going. They aren't find by a position. They are just players. Is Tim Duncan a center or a power forward? What position does Nowitzki, McGrady or Garnett really play? See what I mean? Milicic can play with either his back to the basket or facing it.Westwood, CA:
David - It looks like fans and media in the LA area are focused on Juwann Howard and Gary Payton as potential additions to the Laker offense. I think that Howard would be a great addition b/c he's a young power forward who can score if needed and has fresh legs compared to Robert Horry. Plus, I'm not so sure Gary Payton would be at ease with being the 3rd option in the offense the way Howard would be. What are your thoughts on who you think the Lakers should add/let go?

David DuPree:
I think they thing they can get both of them. I'd settle for either one. Howard is a great fit and a long term solution. He can score, rebound, pass and will guard people bigger than him. He also doesn't mind being the third option on offense. Payton, believe it or not, would be great as a Laker. He wants to win and would do what it takes. He'd still get his 15 shots a game and with he and Kobe on the perimeter together,the Lakers' defense would be unbelievable. The Lakers could also use some toughness and Payton certainly fits that bill. I know this is harsh, but after Kobe, Shaq and Fisher, I'd trade anyone I had to to get better.San Francisco:
With so many coaching jobs open this year, should the Lakers be concerned that if Phil Jackson only coaches 1 more year, all the of top NBA coaches will be locked up and unavailable? Should they push Phil toward retirement this year?

David DuPree:
They won't push Jackson to retire and there will still be plenty of good coaches for them to get when he does retire. There are so many openings this year because many teams feel they under achieved and with the financial situation the way it is, owners aren't as patient. They want quicker fixes and think the coach is a way there.Madrid4ever:
Buen Dia Mr. Dupree! I guess I came to the DC area at the wrong time!! are we going to see the sunlight>??????where were you on saturday> it was my first time watching "full court press" and I did not see you!...anyhow, i have been impresed with the Spurs and eventhough Dirk went out, they still would have beaten Dallas in 6. The question i have for you is why Dallas keeps insisting they can outscore everyone? in any sport DEFENSE wins championships, but they don't seem to understand this.also, do the Spurs have a great chance of getting J.O'neal? what is the buzz? lastly who will win today Milan or juve?? have a nice day!!
Raul

David DuPree:
Buen Dia Raul
Shucks, the first time you see Full Court Press and it was the only one I wasn't there for. We taped on Wdnesday last week and I was in San Antonio for Game 2 of the series against Dallas. Sorry. Dallas plays the only way it knows how and it works. You are what you are. They put this team together to play a certain way, so this isn't a surprise. After all, they won 60 games during he regular season and they made it to at least six games of the Conference Finals and they haven't had their best player for the last two games. You've got to like them for what they've done. The Spurs have set their sights on Jermaine O'Neal and/or Jason Kidd and I think they will get one of them.

juve will win.L.A., Cali:
David, there is all of this hype about Lebron being the next Cavs savior. In my opinion, I believe time will show that Melo Anthony will be a much better player than James. The difference in their career's wont even be close. What is your take on both?

David DuPree:
I have to disagree. I like Anthony a lot, but James just has something you can't explain. Remember you heard it here first. I will be very surprised if he doesn't make the All-Star team as a rookie.Bangkok, Thailand:
I read in Dave Debushere's obitiuary that at 24 years of age he was a player-coach for Detroit.
How on earth could the managment back decide to make a 24-year old the head coach of an NBA basketball team.
Best Regards, Reed.

David DuPree:
Hi Reed.
He was the most qualified for the job at the time. Remember, back then most teams had only one or no assistant coaches and practices and scouting weren't what they are today.Craig, Laurel, MD:
Dave, this is my third attempt with this question. Why is it that some black former players get labeled as not being hard workers (Jordan and Drexler come to mind) just because they don't have immediate success in management. There are many GM who have horrible track records (Paxson in Cleveland, Babcock, St. Jean, Dunleavy in Milwaukee, Versace) who are never labeled has lazy. Your insight would be appreciated.

David DuPree:
Hey Craig -- Labels are tough to shake and people often use them as a way to explain something they don't understand. Jordan tried to basically commute from Chicago and do his job and that was interpreted as lazy. There are 29 teams and a lot of gm's. The size of the staff and everything else contribute to how hard you have to work and how hard you do work. Most of the gm work is on the phone and staying in touch with your scouts. In other words, it's behind the scenes stuff so it's hard to tell just who is working the hardest and who isn't. I don't think it's a racial thing.Hios, Greece:
David, do you think that the ten days off will be bad for the Nets? Probably they will lost their rythm.I mean the same happened yesterday in the NHL Finals were the Anaheim Mighty Ducks with eleven days off were a tottaly different team and they the Devils dominated them. George

David DuPree:
Hi George
I think it might take a half a game for the Nets to work out the rust, but getting rest and having everyone healthy is very important. They can also spend a lot of time working on a game plan for either San Antonio or Dallas. It can go either way.Shanghai,China:
Dallas is great playing last night,do you think they have possibilty to defeat spure???

David DuPree:
I think the Mavericks are in the Spurs' heads now and certainly have a chance to win the series. A lot of this game is about confidence, and right now, the Mavericks have a lot and I can't see how the Spurs could have much. You can't teach composure. You either have it or you don't.Sicily, Italy:
Why is Mutombo being bench for the New Jersey Nets ? Any problem with him ? with the coach maybe ? Thanks David and I appreciate any response from you. -Henry-

David DuPree:
Hi Henry
Mutombo will play more if the Spurs make it to the Finals. He just hasn't fit in with what the Nets want to do offensively. You can't run an offense through him and he isn't very active at that end of the floor and affects the flow of your offense. He can be a key defender at times, but right now he is little more than a role player. I think Byron Scott has shown how good a coach he is by the way he has handled Mutombo. He hasn't earned the tinme, so he isn't playing, regardless of his hefty slary.Jeff - Hanoi - Vietnam:
Xin Chao Anh David,
Happy to be back after 3 weeks in the bush with no web acces !!! So the Finals are close... I still have the feeling, I don't know why? that the Nets could be champion this year. Everything seems to be well in place at the right time for them. K-Mart and J-Kidd plays their best basketball, Jefferson came through and Kittle is alive and kicking not to mention a deep bench and a great coach ! Inside, they don't even need to play Mutombo. Everybody fancies the Spurs (So am I)but I still have this little voice in the back of my head ... What 's your opinion ?
Pistons have a tough choice to make fot the draft this year (a little bit like the bulls last year)Will they go for what they need (Big men) and pick Milicic or will the pick the best player and go shopping for a center ? What would you do if you were Joe Dumars ?
And finally (sorry I am long but I 've 3 weeks of unanswered questions :-)))
It's funny this year how many coaching vacancies are available. So here 's my pick:
Houston : Larry Brown (best available for Francis - Ming combiination)
Cleveland : Paul Silas (will do great job wherever)
Philly : Mo Cheeks (finally back home : with racheed ?)
Toronto : Jeff Van Gundy (he does look like a Raptor )
New Orleans : Who cares ?
Atlanta : Mike Dunleavy
Portland : Jessie Ventura ! (they really need some discipline ...)
Clippers : Michael Smith (nobody knows him but he is doing a great job at Saint Mary's High and propose to coach for free- D. Sterling loves it)
What's your pick ?
Cheers David for all the fun and the wisdom during the NBA season. It 's a great pleasure to share those moments ! Any plans for hollyday ?
Xin chao
Cam On
Jeff

David DuPree:
Xin Chao Anh Jeff
I have said all along that I thought that whoever won the Lakers-Spurs series would win the title, but I'm wavering a bit, The Nets got their act together at just the right time and they are going into the Finals with a lot of confidence. Kidd makes them very tough to beat since he is going to have the ball so much of the time. I think the series will go the full 7 games. I like your coaching picks. I can't do much better than that. That's cold (but still funny) about Van Gundy looking like a Raptor. I plan to go to the Toronto Film Festival in September and my wife's family is from Italy and I will probably go visit some of her non-English speaking relatives with her this summer. I really want to get to Vietnam soon, though. Thanks for asking, how about you?Zagreb , Croatia :
Hallo Mr. Dupree ,
Spurs or Nets ......or Dallas ?
Before yesterday everything looks nice for San Antonio :
3-1 , deciding game at home ,Nowitzki injured and lot of time for rest before finals with Nets . Now it is different story.
Will Spurs lose confidance , regarding everybody , Don Nelson included , thought that series is over . I think
Dallas is not winning games , San Antonio is losing them .
Is it game six crucial ,because if Dallas win at home , Nowitzki will return to the lineup for final game and Dallas confidance will be higher
then sky ?
I think that final result will not be decided by offense or defence , but by play of San Antonio players who sometimes play like kids in final quarter.
What is your prediction for game 6 and possible game 7 ?
Did winner have chance with well rested and more serious Nets ?
Goran , Zagreb , Croatia

David DuPree:
Hi Goran --
I think the Spurs' confidence is shot and I'd be worried if I was one of their followers. I have to disagree with you about Nelson. He thinks his team can win every game and he coaches like it. My hat is off to him. I love his style. I don't think Nowitzki will play in Game 6, but will be there is there is a seventh game. Anything can happen in a seventh game, but I'd have to go with the Spurs. The Nets are salivating and will be ready for either one of them.KB from Wash DC:
With all theses coaches resigning and/or fired who do you think likely will be the next coach for the Wizards. Also, who do you think are the top free agents for each position and where will they go next year? Thanks Dup!!!!

David DuPree:
Hey KB
I think either Eddie Jordan or Paul Silas will be the next coach of the Wizards. The top 3 free agents at each position are as follows:
PG -- Kidd, Payton, Gilbert Arenas; SG -- Richard Hamilton, Jason Terry, Jimmy Jackson, Scottie Pippen; Centers -- Nesterovic, Brad Miller, Alonzo Mourning; PF -- Karl Malone, Juwan Howard, Jermaine O'Neal; Small forward --Walt Williams, Lamar Odom, Kenny Thomas.There are also some other bargains out there.Pittsburgh PA:
Mr. D. It's always nice to see a team such as Dallas win a game the "experts" (Magic/Smith/Barkley)say they won't. I'm hoping New Jersey wins it all since most people have been saying all year that the East can't compete. I do, however think that the Nets will need Mutombo to at least contest Duncan (if San Antonio makes it)in the middle. I watched Van Gundys work in NY and I wouldn't hire him to run Cleveland who I would think should want to run the ball. I'd put James at small (point)forward, Davis at shooting guard and Wagner at the point. That would give the Cav's three ball handling options on the break. I see where the Knicks are projected to take Maciej Lampe. I've never seen him but if they pass on Wade or Gaines then shame on them. I'd also try to pry Marcus Fizer from Chicago because who knows how well McDyess will recover. Hopefully, they can unearth a shot blocker/rebounder in the 2nd round regardless of his offensive prowess, from somewhere. The Lakers need to be healthy and really need Juwann Howard, or Marcus Fizer I think. They can score, rebound and have nasty dispositions. Final thought..I hear talk that Denver is not tied into Carmelo. I can't imagine who they would want, either via trade or draft instead. Have you heard anything. Not taking Carmello sounds crazy to me. Keep up the good work and could you post which shows you are scheduled to be on? GLENN

David DuPree:
Hi Glenn -- I like your comments. The Nuggets aren't tied to Anthony, but he is clearly the third best player out there and I think they will either take him, or package him in a trade for a veteran -- can you say Vince Carter? I appreciate your interest in what shows I will be on, but I can't post that information. Sorry. For one reason, I don't know from week to week and I also don't take myself seriously enough to do something like that. Sorry, that's just the way I am. That means you'll just have to follow my chats. That's more fun for me than doing shows anyway because I like interacting with people like yourself and hearing your opinions.Baltimore, MD.:
Why is it that other teams haven't followed the Spurs' example of using two centers, with one masquerading as a power forward. It worked somewhat successfully with Sampson and Olajuwan years ago.

David DuPree:
Indiana does it with Brad Miller and Jermaine O'Neal, but most teams just don't have two big guys versatile enough and talented enough to pull it off. Detroit will draft Milicic and he and Ben Wallace will make a pretty good big man duo.Rockville, Maryland:
With what seems like a complete coaching overhaul in the NBA, why is Abe Pollin waiting to fire Doug Collins? If the firing of Collins is as inevitable as it appears, isn't waiting an exercise in futility? Moreover, don't the Wizards run the serious risk of yet again missing the bus and being saddled with a second tier head coach? Why not make a ploy for one of the big guns like Brown, or Silas so that we may have a legitimate shot of resurrecting our sorry franchise from the murky depths of the NBA sellar?

David DuPree:
What has happened in recent years to make you think the Wizards have a clue as to what is going on, a clue as how to get better or any semblance of a long range plan? They are floundering. What they need to do is hire the best general manager they can and then leave him alone and let him do his job.Columbia, MD:
Mr. DuPree,
I want to ask a question about the draft and picks. No need to talk about the playoffs (NJ in and if SA can finish the 4th Qtr, we would have a break until June 4th). I think that it's good that Cleveland got the first pick and will no doubt take James as #1. My questions is since Toronto did place in the top 3(I noticed the disappointment on the face of VC), who is available that will be of some help? I still really like VC game and he's been hurt over the last two years. I would like to see him turn things around before people really right him off as wash. As much as McGrady and KG have had a better regular season. They are right now no better than VC, because they could not get out of the first round. It's a know fact that when VC had help (McGrady last year in Canada), they went deep into the playoffs. What's your take on it? When are you going to be a guest on around the horn? PD : )

David DuPree:
PD-- What's up?
I am not a big Vince Carter fan, but I am open minded. I think he needs a change of scenery. He still has trade value. If he does stay they do have the fourth pick in the draft and I think they need a big guy. I'd go with the kid Bosh. I don't think I'll ever be a guest on Around the Horn. That's not my cup of tea.Lisbon, Portugal:
Hey, DD! What now? Difficult to predict what will be the outcome of game six and the whole west series. Do you think Dallas will be able to - again - avoid elimination (beating the Spurs at home for the first time in the series) and at least take a series to the limit of seven games for the third time in a row? As I remarked in my exchange of opinions with you on last week's chat, the Nets will be enjoying the west finals more and more as time gives them enough rest. Would you risk any prediction for the next developments? Will the Spurs win it in game 6 without "missing" again in the fourth quarter? Regards, Rui

David DuPree:
Hi Rui
My prediction record isn't too good, is it? The Nets are looking better and better and are going to give the Spurs or Mavericks fits. I think the Spurs would beat them in seven and that they would beat the Mavericks in six. There is something about the Mavericks, though. I never thought they had the heart to do what they've been doing, but they've made a believer of me. The Spurs have been veryu disappointing. They just don't have a killer instinct and they lose their poise. Those aren't signs of an NBA champion.Raleigh, North Carolina:
What's up David, it's getting hot in Hereee. Things are heating up in the NBA. I feel it's time for the East to show all the doubters that they aren't the subpar division that they have been made out to be.
We play good ball in the East also.
The Net's are the total package in every possition, in the starting line up and on the bench.
The Net's in six, in the NBA final's this year, over who ever come's out of the West.
J-Kid will show why it's an insult to mention Tony Parker in the same sentence with the teacher!

David DuPree:
The more I see the Spurs, the more I believe in the Nets and see why the Spurs are so interested in acquiring Kidd.JEFF TULSA , OK:
Hey Double D,
First of all everyone knows that the Nets will play the Spurs in the finals! Do you think Byron Scotts plan to not double-team Duncan, but guard him with the more athletic K-Mart will work. I think they will be double teaming him by the second half, the last thing the Nets need is Martin to be in foul trouble! Whats your take on this situation? Do they have anyone in your opinion that can guard Duncan successfully?

David DuPree:
Hi Jeff
I think it's the right move to start Martin on Duncan and see what happens. The problem is that if he gets into foul trouble, what are the Nets going to do? I think they will mix their coverages and even play some zone like Dallas is doing. You see what works against Duncan and you play off of that. I'd double him in the fourth quarter and make one of the other Spurs make a shot.Toronto Canada:
Hey David love your chats, please answer this question for all of us here in T.O.
Who should the Raptors select with the 4th pick? Bosh, Ford, or Kaman, or should they trade the pick for what and who. Thank you.

David DuPree:
I'd take Bosh or I'd try to trade with Detroit to get a shot at drafting Milicic.Minneapolis, Minnesota :
With Labron Mania in full bloom. I got to wondering about how many first picks have won rookie of the year and how many have gone on to the hall of fame! And has there ever been a worse overall number one choice then Larue Martin by Portland

David DuPree:
Larue Martin probably the most disappointing, but Magic, Kareem, Olajuwon, Iverson, O'Neal, Duncan, Webber are a few first overall picks who did pretty well. A lot of things come into play.Ashburn, VA:
Since he was a playoff coach, I can justify my question. In your opinion, if the Wizards fire Doug Collins, should they hire Paul Silas? I thought he did a great job in Charlotte/New Orleans, and it would be the PR boost the Wizards need.

David DuPree:
I'd hire Paul Silas in a second. He has the respect of all of his former players, the fans and his peers. He is a very classy gentleman.London Ontario:
This is old news, but I still can't really believe that the Lakers lost! Do you think Karl Malone will leave the Jazz and go to the Lakers, or stay there, or go to another team where he could possibly break Kareem's scoring record?
Do you think the Mavs can win?
And this has nothing to do with bball, but approximately how many questions do you get per week?(by the way, great job!) - Lina

David DuPree:
Hi Lina
The Lakers lost because Shaq, for whatever reaon, wasn't feeling it, Kobe tried to do everything and the rest of that team is horrendous. I think Malone will leave for Dallas, the Lakers or somewhere where he can win for two seasons and then return to Utah for his final year and break Kareem's record while playing for the Jazz. He wants a ring and I think he'll go after one. Heck yes I think the Mavs can win.After seeing the way they won Game 5, I think the Spurs are capable of blowing any game to any team.
I field about 50 questions a week, which takes about 2-3 hours.
Baton Rouge, LA:
Dear MR. Dupree:
What is up with the Hornets? They fire Paul Silas becasue "they want to have a coach that can take them to the championship level". Yet the alleged three finalists at this point are the losingest coach in the history of the NBA (Floyd), a man who has never made it past the second round (Fratello), and a man who was fired with Silas (Hill). Why are they not interested in one of the 10 Hottest Coaching Candidates you listed yesterday? Why would they not be interested in Laker coach Clemons? Championships as a both a player and coach, head coaching experience, etc. It seems he would be a perfect fit for this team.
Thanks for your time.
Lincoln Mill

David DuPree:
Hi Lincoln --
I don't have any idea what George Shinn is thinking about. If you are going to fire a coachlike Paul Silas, you better have a big name ready to step in for him, or you could be a big loser.Houston, TX:
What up Double D? I really hate to say I told you so, but like James Brown says, "I feel good." The organization finally stepped up to the plate and took the reins of this franchise from Rudy and his mismanagement of personnel decisions. I really was unbearable last week when I got the great news. What a beatiful day in the neighbordood. The Rockets' Les Alexander wants to make a splash with a big name guy, like the retreads they are talking to ie 'what's next'Brown, Van Blundy and 'been there' Dunheavy. They should look at young guys who have a passion for the game and up-in-coming. My choices would begin with Terry Porter, Avery Johnson and my favorite but needs a little seasoning Mario Elie. He was by far the heart and soul of our championships, believe it. I love your articles but never believed you for a minute that Rudy deserved any more chances and thank goodness Les thought the same, hopefully he will not just go after names with his new leadman. I'm out like, Rudy, Rudy, Rudy...... Jinx!

David DuPree:
Hey Jinx --
You were right after all and you did tell me so. I was wrong, really wrong, I guess. Terry Porter or Avery Johnson would be gutsy choices and Elie is an interesting name, but I think they need Brown or Van Gundy at this point.Hamilton, Ontario:
I'll tell you double D, hearts were broken in Toronto last Thursday. I can imagine the disappointment of Memphis having to give away its lotto pick, but I think Toronto was the real loser of the lottery.
Toronto needs help at the point, help in the middle and a new coach to pick up the pieces. Any assurance that they might rectify these problems went out the window on Thursday. There are trades and free agency to come, but really, who wants to play/coach in T.O. now? If you were the GM for Toronto, what would you do to turn the team around? Do you risk trading Carter (the only viable draw) in a sketchy Canadian market? Do you take your chances on the next best thing in the draft (Chris Bosh) only to see him leave after he's fully developed and finished his rookie contract? Do you trade your pick and potentially a star for whatever you can find on the lukewarm market?
I just don't know.......I just don't know.
Thanks for your time.
G.

David DuPree:
Hey G --
I'd package Carter, draft Bosh and go from there. I really think they need to start over and build like Detroit did, with lesser names, lower salaried players who play well together and bring some excitement. It isn't easy to build a winner and sometimes it is wisest to just start from the beginning again.Baltimore, MD:
Hi David, This EJ Harris. I enjoy listening to you on Full Court Press on NBC4 in DC. You appear to be the most sane person on the broadcast. Two questions for you: 1) Have the NJ Nets convinced you and other basketball writers that they WILL WIN the NBA title (in seven games) or is there still the viewpoint that the West will win no matter what. 2) Who do you think the Bullets (eh, Wizards) will hire to run the basketball operations. I am at the end of my rope with this team and the way Pollin has run it for the last 25 years.

David DuPree:
Hi EJ
Thanks for the compliment, but being the most sane from among George Michael, Kornheiser and Wilbon is nothing to brag about, is it? The Nets have made believers of me and will be tough to beat in the Finals, but I'd still pick the Spurs over them. I have no idea who the Wizards will hire to run their operations. I know they like Ernie Grunfeld, which wouldn't be a bad choice, by the way, and I wouldn't rule out Kenny Smith of TNT, either. I think he'd do a good job for the same reason I think Danny Ainge will do a good job in Boston -- he knows talent and has really learned a lot from his few seasons doing television.Lexington Kentucky:
Hello David, your great on PTI but i was wondering, What happened to the lakers? i really have a hard time cheering for them because I believe Sha is a no talent big man, not in the same breath as Russell or Olajuwon. My question is do you belive Carmelo is better than Lebron, as an NBA player?

David DuPree:
The Lakers lost because they were arrogant, tired and just didn't want it badly enugh to get it. Their supporting cast was also terrible. I still say Shaq can be the most dominant big man in the game, but he just wasn't in that series. He just didn't look like he had the same desire he had the three previous years. I don't think Carmelo is beter than LeBron is now or that he will be a better NBA player. That's no knock against Anthony, but I really think James is special. I also think Milicic is the truth and will be a big star. That's why I'd take him second and Anthony third if I had a team.Bethesda, Md.:
Good morning,
You know I have to get on you about what you said on PTI. "Dallas won't make it out of the first round". What do you think their chances are now??

David DuPree:
Oh, I see, you're going to bring that up are you? I believed what I said at the time, but after seeing what they've done and the heart they have, I wouldn't bet against them, but I still think the Spurs will win the series.Albemarle, NC:
What is the status of Nowitski's knee and will he be available for game 6? Also, how could the Nets mount a challenge against either team in the West?

David DuPree:
Nowitzki is listed as doubtful once again and he will be a game time decision. I wouldn't play him. Let him rest two more days and then let him play in Game 7 if there is one. The Nets matchup pretty well against both the Mavs and Spurs and the Finals will be a lot closer than most people think.Arlington, VA:
David,
Here is the link to an interesting article I read about race and the changing look of the NBA. If you have the time could you read it and comment on it next week (it's fairly long). Thanks.
http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0322/mcgraw.php

David DuPree:
Thanks, I'll check it out.Cleveland Ohio:
What's up Dave,
Now that the Lakers have gone fishing early there have been plenty of free agent names thrown out there as possibly going to LA. They obviously need a PF a back up C and a quick PG. They also need to get more athletic on the perimeter. Who are the REAL players likely to end up in LA amd who would be the best fit? I think PJ Brown & Stephen Jackson would be excellent additions to the team. How likely is it that Gary Payton ends up in LA?
Who is the most likely candidate to end up coaching in Cleveland?
Oh and by the way you do an excellent job for the USA Today.
Sean

David DuPree:
Hi Sean
I think Juwan Howard is the best fit for them. He can score, rebound, won't mind being the third option and is a tough guy who can guard people in the post and run. I think there is a good chance Payton could end up as a Laker, really. Jimmy Jackson wouldn't be a bad pickup either, as would a guy like Jason Terry. I think Van Gundy or Silas will end up in Cleveland.fredericksburg, virginia:
What is the likelyhood John Thompson will end up with the sixers or any other NBA team?

David DuPree:
I don't think it's going to happen.Wilbraham,Ma:
I think coaches are having a very difficult time coaching as compared to 20 years ago. I suspect Dean Smith quit because of Wallace and Stackhouse. Would you want to coach them with their attitudes? I also think Phil Jackson is fed up with Shaq and will quit the Lakers.

David DuPree:
If I was a coach, I'd get rid of all of the bad attitudes. I don't care how good hey are as players. Winning has to start with character.Springfield, VA:
Hi David, we have seen the influx of foreign players in the NBA. When might we see a foreign coach? The Wizards have burned so many bridges that may be the way to go for them.

David DuPree:
I think we're still a ways away from having a foreign coach as a head coach. I think we will see a lot of foreign assistants coming to the NBA , though, and it's only a matter of time before a head coach comes from those ranks.Comment from David DuPree:
Thank you all for joining me and when we talk again next week, it'll be going into the first game of the Finals. I can't wait. If you're a Mavericks fan, good luck, and if you're a Spurs fan, I bet you feel you need some luck right about now, don't you?